At this, Lee and Linis went their separate ways to rest for the next leg of the journey.
As they prepared to set off the next morning, Prustos ran ahead and disappeared into the forest.
“We arrive in Gristol in three days,” Linis told the assembled group. “Prustos is scouting ahead to inform our friends of your arrival.”
“I can’t wait to meet these friends of yours,” said Millet. “Are they elves or humans?”
“Both,” he answered. “They are dependable and trustworthy. From there, they will see you the rest of the way. But for now, let us enjoy the time we have left together.”
The rest of their journey was filled with merriment and song. It was almost enough to make Gewey forget the duel between Lee and Berathis, and the funeral that followed.
Each evening, Linis continued Gewey’s instruction in the arts of stealth and survival. He showed him ways to avoid leaving even the slightest trail, and how to read the forest in the dark when tracking prey.
Lee allowed Gewey to push his limits a little further each day, as he continued to practice drawing energy and strength from the earth.
By the final day of their journey, Gewey was able to let the power flow fully into him. When he opened his eyes, it was as if he could see every detail of the world around him. His arms and legs felt stronger than they had ever felt before, and he could sense everything.
“Very good,” Lee remarked. “Now you must learn to do this without meditation. Once you can do that, your physical strength will be unmatched.”
Gewey could still feel the power coursing through his veins as he walked back to where the others waited.
“By the Creator!” Linis gasped as he saw Gewey approach. “You look as if all the power of heaven is inside you. What manner of creature are you?”
Linis’ words caused Gewey to panic, instantly causing him to release the energy he had stored inside him. The ground beneath the elf suddenly exploded, sending him flying through the air. He landed hard, and for a moment he lay still. Lee rushed to the elf’s side, but to his relief, Linis was uninjured. Linis began to laugh loudly as he struggled to his feet, while the others stepped away from Gewey, frightened.
“I’m sorry,” Gewey stammered. “I didn’t mean to…”
“I see now why your training is so important,” Linis laughed, brushing the dirt off his cloak. “You are a mystery, young one. I hope one day to know just what kind.”
Lee looked nervous. “I cannot answer questions regarding the boy,” he said apprehensively. “I’m sorry, but you’re better off not knowing.”
“I’m just glad to know he’s on our side,” Linis replied. “But don’t worry. I will keep my questions for another time. I do hope to one day have them answered.”
Gewey was shaking at the thought of what he had done. What if he had accidentally killed Linis-or any of the others, for that matter? Gewey swore to himself that he would learn to control his power. He would not cause the death of a friend through ignorance.
Linis could see how upset Gewey was. “Calm yourself,” he soothed. “I am not hurt. But if you would allow me, I think I might be able to help.”
Gewey looked at the elf in confusion. “Help? How?”
“Come with me,” Linis instructed, leading Gewey away from the others. “There are those among my people who can feel the energy of the earth and forest. In ancient times, it is said some could even use that energy to change the earth according to their will. Seekers use a similar technique, though we can only harness very small amounts of it compared to what I saw in you. We can channel it to give us great stamina and strength.”
“I can feel it,” Gewey confided. “Even now. But I can’t control it.”
Linis smiled. “Do not try,” he stated simply. “When you feel the flow enter you, do not try to channel it or direct it. Instead, picture it as a stream filling your soul. Once filled, let the rest pour over you and flow around you. Do not try to hold it in. Instead, simply replace it with more. Your body should become part of the energy flow, not a receptacle built to contain it. What happened earlier was caused by you holding on, when all you had to do was allow the power of the earth to continuously flow through you.”
“How do I do that?” Gewey asked.
“By forgetting to try,” he answered. “Do not think about it. When you hear the pulse of the earth, know that it was always there. Let your mind wander, and it will take its own course.”
“I think I understand,” said Gewey, nodding slowly in comprehension. “Thank you.”
Linis slapped Gewey on the back. “What a Seeker you would make,” he said. “One day, when our quests are done, I hope you will allow me to instruct you further.”
“I would like nothing more,” Gewey replied earnestly.
When they were about three miles from Gristol, Prustos returned. He spoke briefly to Linis and handed him a piece of parchment. Linis looked at it and smiled.
“Prustos has informed our people of your arrival,” Linis announced. “They will meet you at the Bean and Broth tavern, and then escort you to a house where you will be safe.”
“How will we know them?” Lee asked.
“Prustos has given them your descriptions,” he answered. “They will speak my name so that you know them to be true. The road leading to the city is one mile north, and the gates are unguarded during the daylight hours. You should have no trouble.”
“We can’t thank you enough for all you’ve done for us,” Lee said.
“I am honored to have met you and your kin.”
“The honor is ours,” Linis replied.
Gewey and the others traded heartfelt goodbyes with the elves, and then watched as they vanished into the forest.
Once the elves had gone, Millet turned to Kaylia. “What an extraordinary people you are,” he remarked.
“Thank you,” she replied. “I am pleased to have encountered them. I thought I would never speak to one of my kind in friendship again.”
Lee started north toward the road, and the others followed close behind. Without their elven friends, the march to the city gate felt dull and dreary. Gewey found himself missing their familiar laughter.
As Linis had said, the city gates were open and unguarded. The people of Gristol were far more accommodating than those they had encountered in other towns and villages, so they had no trouble getting directions to the Bean and Broth tavern. The tavern itself was nice, as taverns go. At first, Gewey worried that such a diverse group would stick out and raise suspicions, but none of the patrons seemed to take notice. They found a table and ordered ale and wine. They had hardly had time to take a single sip when they were approached by a man wearing a long, worn, brown leather coat and tan shirt and pants. He had salt and pepper hair and fair skin. He smiled cheerfully as he scanned the group.
“Friends of Linis, I presume?” the man asked.
“We are,” Lee responded, apprehensively.
“I’m Broin,” he said, taking a seat. “You’ll be my guests while you’re here.”
“We’re pleased to meet you,” Lee said, relaxing a bit.
Just then, the barmaid walked up to their table. “Good to see you, Lord Broin. The usual?”
“Yes indeed,” he answered, and then returned his attention to Gewey and his friends. “I’ve looked far and wide, and have yet to find a plum brandy to equal that of the Bean and Broth. In fact-” Struck with a sudden idea, he hopped up and whispered in the barmaid’s ear.
“We’re grateful for your assistance Lord Broin,” said Lee. “Our mutual friends speak highly of you.”
“Thank you,” he replied. “But you can drop the ‘Lord’ part; I’m not really a lord. About ten years ago there was a massive fire in the city, and I helped rebuild. Since then everyone started calling me Lord Broin. I’m actually just a merchant.”
Lee gave a knowing smile to Millet. “Lordship is earned,” Lee countered. “Clearly you earned it if that’s the title the people gave you.”
“I know,” he said. “But I still find it a bit…pretentious. I don’t dress like a lord, and I certainly don’t live like one.”